How to Fish Pueblo Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pueblo Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pueblo Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Most active during warmer afternoon periods, moving up to feed on rocky shelves and points	Main lake points with transition from deep to shallow water, especially those with basketball to boulder-sized rocks Secondary points in major coves with rocky structure Protected shallow bays with hard bottom and rock piles	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses over points and shelves Blade Baits worked vertically for suspended fish Drop Shot when fish are holding tight to specific structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small shad schools in transition areas Young of year perch near rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	47-60	Males actively moving shallow and scouting for spawning areas while females stage in slightly deeper water near spawning flats Feeding activity increasing with warming temperatures, particularly around brush piles and other cover	Brush piles in 12-15 feet of water near spawning flats Shallow banks with cover, particularly in protected areas Lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush and shoreline cover Bladed Jigs worked through shallow areas Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish near spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Minnows in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	39-48	Spotted bass are transitioning from deep winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, holding on boulder-strewn points and steep drops between 50-60ft while making periodic movements to warmer back pockets Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, requiring precise bait placement over structure and slow presentations	Main lake boulder fields adjacent to deep drops in 50-60ft range Warmer back pockets and coves with 45-degree banks Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and spawning pockets	Damiki Rig worked slowly over boulders with emphasis on staying in contact with structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations, particularly effective for suspended fish near structure Shakey Heads worked along rocky transitions and steep banks	Minnows, particularly concentrated around boulder fields and structural elements Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas Crawfish beginning to emerge in rocky areas as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to spawning areas, staging on adjacent structure and moving shallower as water temperatures rise Fish become more active during low-light periods, especially during cloudy days, and show increased feeding activity as they prepare for spawn Walleye are actively pursuing shad schools while also relating strongly to rock structure that will be used for spawning	Rocky points and 45-degree banks adjacent to spawning areas Transition areas between deep winter haunts (25-40ft) and shallow spawning zones Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25ft of water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near rocky structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with hair jigs	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish utilizing rocky structure Crawfish becoming more active on rocky substrate	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning coves, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Moving from deeper winter areas to shallower transition zones, following warming trends Congregating around submerged brush and vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Protected coves with submerged brush near spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning bays Deeper brush piles adjacent to shallow spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad (primary forage base) Small sunfish Juvenile baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Trout actively moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower, warmer waters (15-25 feet) as spring temperatures rise Fish becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior, targeting baitfish schools along structure edges Displaying increased activity during overcast conditions and early/late hours as they prepare for spawning season	Main lake points with access to deeper water Rocky shorelines and submerged structure in 15-25 foot depth range Coves and protected areas where water warms first	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed to cover water Inline Spinners worked parallel to structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are concentrated	Shad and silvery baitfish schools Small yellow perch near structure Juvenile bluegill in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning into spawning behavior with males becoming aggressive and defensive around bedding areas, particularly near rock outcroppings Fish are splitting time between pre-spawn staging areas and spawning locations, with most active fish in 5-8 foot depth range	Rock piles and outcroppings in 5-8 foot depth range, especially on the north side of the lake Main lake points with mixed rock and submerged vegetation Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition suitable for spawning	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive cadence around rock structure Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits targeting spotted beds and staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through spawning flats	Minnows - primary forage during pre-spawn aggression Bluegill - becoming more prevalent in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass actively engaging in spawning behavior, establishing and protecting beds in 3-12 foot depth range near hard cover Fish are territorial and defensive of their spawning areas, particularly responsive to crawfish-imitating baits	Protected areas in backs of creeks and coves with good spawning bottom composition Beds adjacent to large rocks and brush piles in 3-12 foot depth range Shallow flats with mixed rock and vegetation near deeper water access	Structure Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Ned Rigs dragged slowly across beds Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and cover	Crawfish emerging in warming waters Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are in various stages of the spawn, moving between staging areas and spawning locations in the backs of coves and pockets Fish are actively feeding on shad near the surface, showing aggressive behavior with surface-busting activity Movement patterns suggest frequent transitions between deeper pre-spawn staging areas and shallow spawning zones	Protected backs of coves and pockets with submerged vegetation 45-degree banks near spawning areas Rocky points adjacent to spawning pockets	Hard Topwater (Prop) worked with varied cadence Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish	Shad schooling near surface Bluegill in spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving from winter deep water patterns to shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on rocky points and 45-degree banks Transitioning from schooling behavior to more dispersed spawning groups, with increased activity during low-light periods Pre-spawn feeding becomes aggressive as fish prepare for spawning, targeting shad and other available forage	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas in 8-15 feet of water 45-degree banks with gravel or rock substrate Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky points and spawning areas Blade Baits worked vertically through transitional areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish targeting shad	Shad schools in transition areas Small panfish in shallow spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie actively spawning and staging in shallow water (0-5ft), particularly around protected banks and pockets with gravel and baseball-sized rocks Fish moving between pre-spawn staging areas and spawning sites, with increased feeding activity during morning and evening periods	Protected banks and back of pockets with gravel and baseball-sized rocks in 0-5ft depth Flooded brush and weedy areas near spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked SLOWLY parallel to the bank Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) targeting visible cover Bobbers with light jigs around shallow brush and rocks	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports Small invertebrates around spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Trout are actively spawning in shallower water, typically moving from deep wintering areas to spawning grounds near tributary inflows and gravel areas Fish are more aggressive during pre-spawn feeding, becoming temporarily less active during the actual spawn, then resuming active feeding post-spawn	Gravel points and shallow rocky areas near deeper water access Creek arms and tributary inflows with good gravel substrate Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Inline Spinners worked parallel to shoreline structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') with suspended presentations Live Bait Rigs with minimal weight for natural presentation	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas Emerging aquatic insects Smaller trout and minnows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-58	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding and recuperating, primarily targeting rocky points in 5-35ft depths Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior with willingness to chase both finesse and reaction baits Movement patterns indicate fish transitioning between spawning areas and summer haunts, using points as staging areas	Rocky main lake points with access to deep water (5-35ft) Bluff walls adjacent to points Secondary points with rock structure	Finesse Jigs dragged slowly with 6-inch hops along bottom Ned Rigs worked along rock structure Hard Topwater (Walking) for aggressive fish	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Crawfish - active in rocky areas during this season	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-70	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing submerged vegetation edges and brush piles as primary feeding zones, especially during morning and evening periods	Secondary points and creek channel intersections adjacent to spawning pockets Outer edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range Brush piles near deep water access in 10-20 foot range	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits parallel to points and channel breaks Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around secondary points	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas Crawfish active in rocky areas and vegetation Shad schools starting to group up in creek arms	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are staging near points and steep transitions, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water to feed	45-degree banks with rock structure near spawning pockets Main lake points with access to deep water Brush piles and rock piles in 10-20ft range	Shakey Heads worked along rocky banks and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Carolina Rigs for covering water and finding active fish	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn pattern Smaller baitfish relating to brush and rock structure Crawfish active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, becoming more active as they recover Fish moving between shallow and mid-depth ranges throughout the day, following baitfish schools	Rocky points and 45-degree banks adjacent to spawning areas Mid-depth flats (15-25ft) near deep water access Complex shoreline areas with multiple coves and points in 8-15ft	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along breaks and points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Small perch in rocky areas Various minnow species around points and breaks	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near deeper cover and actively feeding to recover Fish forming loose schools around brush piles and vegetation edges, becoming more structure-oriented	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Main lake points with access to deeper water Deeper dock edges adjacent to spawning coves	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad (primary forage base based on reports) Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish Juvenile yellow perch	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	48-62	Post-spawn trout are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper, cooler water as spring progresses Fish are primarily feeding in the early morning and late evening, suspending in the water column near structure during mid-day	Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with submerged vegetation Rocky shoreline areas with complex structure, utilizing the high shoreline development index Suspended over open water basins near baitfish schools	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Inline Spinners Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad and silvery baitfish schools Small aquatic insects emerging in spring Young of the year panfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	60-70	Actively feeding on both crawfish and minnows around boulder-strewn areas, with increased activity during overcast conditions Showing preference for moderate depths (4-12 feet) during summer, likely moving deeper during bright conditions	Boulder fields and rock piles in 4-12 foot depth range Main lake points with scattered rock Shoreline rock structure in protected coves	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly near bottom structure Structure Jigs worked through boulder fields Tubes dragged along rocky bottom	Crawfish actively moving around rock structure Minnows relating to boulder fields Shad schools in nearby open water	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-85	Actively feeding on crawfish around boulder fields and rock structures, with increased activity during early morning and evening hours Utilizing weed edges and matted grass areas as ambush points during midday, moving between shallow and moderate depths to regulate temperature	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 5-15 foot depth range Matted grass and weed edges, especially near deeper water access Creek arms and coves with submerged vegetation	Ned Rigs worked slowly around boulders and rock structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around matted grass and heavy cover Frogs/Toads over matted vegetation during low light periods	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage around vegetation Shad - opportunistic feeding in open water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Actively chasing shad in the water column, particularly around submerged timber and stumps with aggressive feeding behavior during early/late day Relating heavily to main lake structure and showing preference for fast-moving presentations with erratic action	Submerged timber and stump fields with nearby deep water access 45-degree banks and bluff walls with good shade during peak sun Main lake points and rock piles where shad schools congregate	Hard Jerkbaits with fast, erratic retrieve and minimal pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along timber edges Spinnerbaits around shad schools early/late in day	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports Small Sunfish - secondary forage around timber and structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-75	Walleye primarily active during dawn/dusk periods, utilizing drop-offs near rocky points and transitional areas between shallow and deep water Fish moving between main lake points and adjacent flats, following baitfish schools and seeking cooler, oxygenated water	Main lake points with direct access to deep water, especially those with rocky structure Deep weedlines adjacent to 45-degree banks in 15-25ft Rocky humps and boulder fields near deep basin areas	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crawler harnesses along contour breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on structure during low light periods Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky points and transitions	Shad schools suspending near thermocline Young of year perch relating to weedlines Crayfish on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	65-72	Crappie are transitioning to deeper, cooler water during hot summer days, suspending near brush piles and weed edges Active feeding occurs during early morning and late evening, with fish moving shallower to feed on shad near vegetation Fish are schooling in larger groups around primary structural elements, especially where deep water meets vegetation or brush	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-20 foot range Edges of submerged weed beds where they meet deeper water Shaded areas under docks with good depth nearby	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools suspending in mid-depth ranges Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation Small minnows relating to brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Trout	50-58	Trout are seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water around 35-45ft depth due to warm 72°F surface temperatures Actively feeding on suspended baitfish in open water/basin areas, showing preference for pelagic zone hunting	Open water basin areas at 35-45ft depth where trout are suspending below the thermocline Deep structure near points and coves where cool water meets structure Areas with submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water	Trolling Deep (20'+) with consistent 2mph speed targeting 35-45ft depth Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics Spoons worked through suspended fish	Pelagic baitfish (likely shad) based on successful silver/blue lure patterns Small rainbow smelt or similar silvery baitfish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Pueblo Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Transitioning between summer and fall patterns with fish actively feeding on shad and crawfish. Fish are showing a depth shift from shallower morning locations (8-10ft) to deeper afternoon spots (12-15ft) Exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around rock structure and points, with fish looking up to feed on moving baits	Main lake points and humps with rock structure in 10-14ft Deep grass beds in 12-15ft Rock piles on 45-degree banks	Drop Shot worked slowly in deeper water, especially effective during afternoon hours Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive, rapid jerks and minimal pauses Finesse Jigs worked along rock structure	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Crawfish - particularly around rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	63-69	Actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools and utilizing a variety of cover types from shallow grass to deep rock structures Moving between shallow feeding areas early/late and deeper structure during midday, especially around hard cover on 45-degree banks	Matted grass and topped-out vegetation in protected areas Deep rock walls and bluff banks with laydowns Points and flats with scattered grass near deep water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with heavy weights (1oz) for punching matted vegetation Buzzbaits around scattered grass edges, especially early and late Drop Shot on deeper structure when fish move off shallow cover	Shad schooling in open water and around grass edges Crawfish along rocky structures and laydowns Bluegill in and around vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass are actively feeding on crawfish and shad in transitional areas, following baitfish schools and utilizing ambush points near structure Fish are making a seasonal movement from shallow feeding areas to deeper wintertime haunts, becoming more structure-oriented	Submerged vegetation adjacent to deep water access 45-degree rocky banks and bluff walls Main lake points with boulder clusters	Shakey Heads worked slowly through vegetation and along rocky transitions Spinnerbaits parallel to steep banks targeting actively feeding fish Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom structure	Crawfish in and around rock and vegetation Shad schools in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-65	Actively feeding on shad schools in preparation for winter, with increased activity during cloudy periods and lower light conditions Transitioning between shallow and deep water zones, following baitfish movements and utilizing points and steep banks as ambush locations	Main lake points with rocky structure adjacent to deep water 45-degree banks with boulder and rock piles in 15-25ft Deep coves where shad schools are congregating	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lift-drop action near structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rocky points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match shad movement	Shad schools congregating in large numbers Various small baitfish utilizing rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Actively feeding and schooling in deeper water, following shad movements as they migrate to deeper areas Fish are transitioning from summer patterns, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures cool Schools are becoming more concentrated and easier to target once located	Deep brush piles and submerged vegetation in 15-25 foot range Creek channel bends and intersections near points Deeper sections of coves where shad are congregating	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Small sunfish around brush piles Juvenile baitfish near channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Trout	52-65	Actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges (15-30 feet) More aggressive during low-light periods, moving shallower during dawn and dusk to pursue prey	Main lake points near deep water access, especially those with rock structure Deep water basins where baitfish schools are suspended Areas with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed to target suspended fish Inline Spinners retrieved at varying speeds to trigger reaction strikes Spoons worked vertically through baitfish schools	Shad and silvery baitfish in open water Small bluegills near vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	37-54	Smallmouth bass are holding on deep rocky structure, particularly long points in 10-25 foot depths, with slow, methodical feeding patterns Fish are showing soft, deliberate strikes and may require multiple casts to the same area to trigger bites	Long rock points extending into deep water, focusing on 10-25 foot depth zone Boulder fields and rock piles in deep water Main lake points in 25-40 foot range	Drop Shot with slow, bottom-focused presentation Structure Jigs dragged slowly maintaining bottom contact Ned Rigs worked methodically along rocky structure	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Shad schools in deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	37-42	Largemouth bass are suspending near deep structure and concentrating in wintering areas, typically moving very little to conserve energy Feeding windows are shorter and less frequent, with most activity occurring during warmer afternoon periods	Deep creek channel bends and intersections in 25-40 foot range Steep rocky points adjacent to deep water Deep brush piles near primary creek channels	Blade Baits worked slowly with long pauses near structure Drop Shot using subtle movements in deep wintering areas Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) focusing on suspended fish	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Deep water crawfish near rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	37-47	Fish are holding in deep winter patterns, concentrated on main lake structure between 15-25 feet, with some still deeper in 25-35 foot range Spotted bass are tightly relating to vertical structure like bluff walls and utilizing current breaks, especially in areas receiving sun exposure Showing selective feeding behavior with preference for smaller profile baits, requiring slower, more methodical presentations	Main lake points and bluff walls, especially those receiving direct sunlight Deep ledges transitioning from 15-35 feet Boulder fields and rock structure adjacent to deep water	Drop Shot with downsized baits (3.5 inch) worked with subtle shakes and occasional hops Ned Rigs with light heads (3/16 oz) worked slowly along vertical structure Damiki Rig for suspended fish near vertical structure	Shad (primary forage base, concentrated in deeper water) Small baitfish relating to rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	37-42	Walleye actively pursuing schooling shad in deep water, with increased activity during cloudy conditions Fish holding on steep structure transitions between 25-40ft, particularly on main lake points and 45-degree banks	Main lake points in 25-40ft of water 45-degree banks, especially those with sun exposure Rocky areas with boulders near deep water transitions	Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled 5-10ft off bottom Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow bottom drag Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with tailspins using small hops off bottom	Shad schools suspended in deep water Minnows relating to rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	37-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in winter, suspending near deep structure and brush piles Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods Movement is minimal, with fish holding in the same general areas for extended periods	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to creek channels Deep water areas near the junction of creek channels and main lake points Suspended schools near submerged timber in deeper coves	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Crappie Spider Rigging Ice Fishing Jigs	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small bluegills near brush structure Juvenile perch around deeper vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Trout	38-45	Trout are actively feeding in the upper water column due to uniform winter temperatures and good dissolved oxygen levels throughout the water column Fish are likely to school more tightly in winter, following baitfish pods in open water areas Feeding activity peaks during late morning to early afternoon when water temperatures rise slightly	Main lake points near deep water access Open water basin areas where baitfish schools suspend Rocky structure areas that hold baitfish	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Inline Spinners Spoons	Shad schools in open water Small baitfish near structure Winter-active aquatic insects	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pueblo Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with transition from deep to shallow water, especially those with basketball to boulder-sized rocks	Secondary points in major coves with rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 12-15 feet of water near spawning flats	Shallow banks with cover, particularly in protected areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake boulder fields adjacent to deep drops in 50-60ft range	Warmer back pockets and coves with 45-degree banks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and 45-degree banks adjacent to spawning areas	Transition areas between deep winter haunts (25-40ft) and shallow spawning zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with submerged brush near spawning flats	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Rocky shorelines and submerged structure in 15-25 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and outcroppings in 5-8 foot depth range, especially on the north side of the lake	Main lake points with mixed rock and submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected areas in backs of creeks and coves with good spawning bottom composition	Beds adjacent to large rocks and brush piles in 3-12 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected backs of coves and pockets with submerged vegetation	45-degree banks near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas in 8-15 feet of water	45-degree banks with gravel or rock substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected banks and back of pockets with gravel and baseball-sized rocks in 0-5ft depth	Flooded brush and weedy areas near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Gravel points and shallow rocky areas near deeper water access	Creek arms and tributary inflows with good gravel substrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky main lake points with access to deep water (5-35ft)	Bluff walls adjacent to points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and creek channel intersections adjacent to spawning pockets	Outer edges of submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	45-degree banks with rock structure near spawning pockets	Main lake points with access to deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and 45-degree banks adjacent to spawning areas	Mid-depth flats (15-25ft) near deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with submerged vegetation	Rocky shoreline areas with complex structure, utilizing the high shoreline development index
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 4-12 foot depth range	Main lake points with scattered rock
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 5-15 foot depth range	Matted grass and weed edges, especially near deeper water access
Summer	Spotted Bass	Submerged timber and stump fields with nearby deep water access	45-degree banks and bluff walls with good shade during peak sun
Summer	Walleye	Main lake points with direct access to deep water, especially those with rocky structure	Deep weedlines adjacent to 45-degree banks in 15-25ft
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels in 15-20 foot range	Edges of submerged weed beds where they meet deeper water
Summer	Trout	Open water basin areas at 35-45ft depth where trout are suspending below the thermocline	Deep structure near points and coves where cool water meets structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and humps with rock structure in 10-14ft	Deep grass beds in 12-15ft
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and topped-out vegetation in protected areas	Deep rock walls and bluff banks with laydowns
Fall	Spotted Bass	Submerged vegetation adjacent to deep water access	45-degree rocky banks and bluff walls
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points with rocky structure adjacent to deep water	45-degree banks with boulder and rock piles in 15-25ft
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles and submerged vegetation in 15-25 foot range	Creek channel bends and intersections near points
Fall	Trout	Main lake points near deep water access, especially those with rock structure	Deep water basins where baitfish schools are suspended
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Long rock points extending into deep water, focusing on 10-25 foot depth zone	Boulder fields and rock piles in deep water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep creek channel bends and intersections in 25-40 foot range	Steep rocky points adjacent to deep water
Winter	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and bluff walls, especially those receiving direct sunlight	Deep ledges transitioning from 15-35 feet
Winter	Walleye	Main lake points in 25-40ft of water	45-degree banks, especially those with sun exposure
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to creek channels	Deep water areas near the junction of creek channels and main lake points
Winter	Trout	Main lake points near deep water access	Open water basin areas where baitfish schools suspend

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Minnows in shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Minnows, particularly concentrated around boulder fields and structural elements	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish utilizing rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base)	Small sunfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Shad and silvery baitfish schools	Small yellow perch near structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage during pre-spawn aggression	Bluegill - becoming more prevalent in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming waters	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schooling near surface	Bluegill in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools in transition areas	Small panfish in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports	Small invertebrates around spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Crawfish - active in rocky areas during this season
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas	Crawfish active in rocky areas and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn pattern	Smaller baitfish relating to brush and rock structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Small perch in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base based on reports)	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Shad and silvery baitfish schools	Small aquatic insects emerging in spring
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving around rock structure	Minnows relating to boulder fields
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage around vegetation
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports	Small Sunfish - secondary forage around timber and structure
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools suspending near thermocline	Young of year perch relating to weedlines
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in mid-depth ranges	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation
Summer	Trout	Pelagic baitfish (likely shad) based on successful silver/blue lure patterns	Small rainbow smelt or similar silvery baitfish
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Crawfish - particularly around rock structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water and around grass edges	Crawfish along rocky structures and laydowns
Fall	Spotted Bass	Crawfish in and around rock and vegetation	Shad schools in transitional areas
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in large numbers	Various small baitfish utilizing rock structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Small sunfish around brush piles
Fall	Trout	Shad and silvery baitfish in open water	Small bluegills near vegetation edges
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Shad schools in deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Deep water crawfish near rock structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad (primary forage base, concentrated in deeper water)	Small baitfish relating to rock structure
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools suspended in deep water	Minnows relating to rocky structure
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small bluegills near brush structure
Winter	Trout	Shad schools in open water	Small baitfish near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Pueblo Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors